Sharks 3, Rangers 2

The New York Rangers (22-12-4) lost to the San Jose Sharks (26-4-3) by the scores of 3-2. For a recap and box score go to newyorkrangers.com.

...despite the loss I felt the Rangers played a real solid game, especially offensively. Unfortunately they ran into a hot goaltender. Ironically, this was probably the best game they played during the trip and hopefully this west coast swing will give the team some much needed confidence going forward.

...i also felt they ran into some bad luck early, as Mara's first penalty was cheap and Betts' high stick was the result of him trying to lift the opposing player's stick. With out those consecutive penalties, we probably win.

...it's official. Callahan is my favorite player. This guy gives maximum effort every shift. He hit everything that moved tonight, and his goal was the result of pure determination.

...while Nabokov had a strong game, I felt Lundqvist probably should have had the first and third goals. I haven't said this much this year but the reason we lost was because Lundqvist was outplayed.

...i thought we finally got a glimpse of what Redden could offer in the third period last night. He was shooting the puck and came within a blocker save of tying the game on the power play late. Not sure what happened (maybe Renney told him between periods that the Rangers should have signed Boyle) but it looked like he had a sense of urgency I haven't seen from him all year. It would be nice if he could sustain that for the rest of the year.

...bottom line, we showed we can play with the big boys last night and Ranger fans should start feeling confident about this team, even without Sundin. Capitals in town Tuesday night.